Who is Brittany Cartwright, and why is her name dominating celebrity headlines in 2025? The Kentucky-born reality television personality, entrepreneur, and mother has experienced dramatic changes in her personal and professional life over the past two years. From her highly publicized divorce and custody battle to new career challenges and a budding romance, Brittany continues to show resilience and authenticity in front of millions of fans who follow her journey.
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A Small-Town Girl Who Captured Reality TV Fame
Brittany Cartwright was born in 1989 in Winchester, Kentucky. Raised in a close-knit Southern family, she carried her small-town values into the spotlight. Her charm, warmth, and sense of humor would later become trademarks that helped her stand out in the world of reality television.
Her rise to fame began when she appeared on Vanderpump Rules, Bravo’s hit series set in Los Angeles. The show, which followed the lives of young staff working at Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants, became a pop culture phenomenon. Brittany quickly became a fan favorite for her down-to-earth personality and willingness to be vulnerable on screen.
Her relationship with fellow cast member Jax Taylor introduced her to a larger Bravo audience, and together they became one of the most talked-about couples on the show.
Marriage to Jax Taylor and Life in the Spotlight
In 2019, Brittany married Jax Taylor in a glamorous wedding that aired as part of Vanderpump Rules. Their marriage, filled with love but also turmoil, was closely followed by viewers. From the beginning, the couple’s ups and downs became a key storyline, creating endless discussion among fans and tabloids alike.
Despite challenges, they welcomed their son, Cruz, in April 2021. Brittany embraced motherhood with pride and shared her journey with fans online, documenting milestones and celebrating family life. For a while, she seemed to have everything she dreamed of: a husband, a family, and a successful career in reality TV.
The Breakup That Shocked Fans
By 2024, the cracks in Brittany and Jax’s marriage became too deep to ignore. After years of trying to work through differences, Brittany filed for divorce. The announcement shocked fans but didn’t come entirely as a surprise to those who had followed their relationship closely on screen.
The split was not only emotional but also complex, given the custody issues surrounding their young son. Brittany publicly cited irreconcilable differences, and soon, her focus shifted toward protecting her child while rebuilding her life independently.
Custody Battles and Putting Cruz First
The most emotional chapter in Brittany’s story has been her fight for custody of Cruz. While divorce proceedings dragged on, she consistently expressed that her son’s well-being was her top priority.
In mid-2025, Brittany revealed that she had been awarded full custody of Cruz. The legal win was a major milestone and allowed her to focus on creating a stable environment for him. She has spoken openly about the challenges of single motherhood but has also expressed gratitude for the support of her family and friends.
Her devotion to Cruz has become a defining part of her public image. Many fans see her as an example of resilience and strength during one of the hardest seasons of her life.
A Fresh Start: Brittany Cartwright’s New Romance
With her divorce still ongoing, Brittany surprised fans by confirming she had started seeing someone new. Her new partner, Brandon Hanson, is not a stranger to her past; in fact, the two have known each other for over a decade, with roots tracing back to Kentucky.
Though Brittany has been careful not to rush into labeling the relationship, she has described Brandon as a kind and supportive presence in her life. She has emphasized that her focus remains on her son, and she intends to take things slowly before blending her personal life with motherhood.
Fans have shown mixed reactions, with some cheering her for moving forward and others urging caution. Regardless, Brittany appears determined to set boundaries, learn from past mistakes, and build this new relationship on a healthier foundation.
Taking on New Challenges in Reality TV
While much of her life has played out in the tabloids, Brittany has also taken on new professional challenges. In 2025, she joined the cast of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, a reality competition series that puts celebrities through military-style training and survival scenarios.
For Brittany, this was more than just another TV opportunity. It represented a chance to prove her strength, face her fears, and redefine herself outside of the drama of her marriage.
One of the most talked-about moments came during a challenge involving a helicopter jump. Brittany, who has admitted to being terrified of heights, faced visible anxiety before attempting the leap. Fans praised her bravery for confronting such an intense challenge, even if fear initially held her back.
Her journey on the show has inspired many viewers who see her as a symbol of resilience, showing that personal growth often comes from stepping far outside of one’s comfort zone.
Motherhood in the Spotlight
Brittany Cartwright has always been open about her role as a mother. In 2024, she shared that Cruz had been diagnosed with autism. Instead of shying away from the subject, Brittany embraced advocacy, using her platform to spread awareness and celebrate her son’s milestones.
She has highlighted both the challenges and the joys of parenting a child with autism, quickly becoming a relatable voice for other parents facing similar journeys. By choosing to share her story, she not only builds understanding but also inspires a sense of community among her supporters.
For Brittany, motherhood is not just a private role but also a public mission to educate, encourage, and empower.
Life After Jax: Building Her Own Identity
For years, Brittany’s public identity was tied closely to Jax Taylor. Their relationship, wedding, and family life became staples of reality TV. But in 2025, Brittany has made it clear she is writing her own story.
She has embraced independence, carving out a personal brand built around authenticity, resilience, and growth. Through social media, reality TV appearances, and her podcast, Brittany shares her unfiltered experiences in a way that resonates with her audience.
Her willingness to talk about difficult topics—from divorce to motherhood to personal fears—has strengthened her bond with fans who value her honesty.
What Lies Ahead for Brittany Cartwright?
As 2025 continues, Brittany Cartwright is balancing multiple roles: single mother, reality star, entrepreneur, and advocate. Her divorce proceedings are still not finalized, but she has already taken significant steps toward independence.
Professionally, her role on Special Forces could help reshape her public image, showing her as strong, determined, and capable of growth under pressure. Personally, her new relationship may evolve further, though Brittany has made it clear she will not sacrifice her boundaries or her son’s well-being in the process.
Fans will likely see more of Brittany as she continues to appear on The Valley, her spin-off project connected to the Vanderpump Rules universe. Her life, with its ups and downs, remains a captivating story that keeps audiences invested.
Conclusion
So, who is Brittany Cartwright in 2025? She is a woman who has faced heartbreak, overcome personal struggles, and stepped into a new era of resilience. From divorce and custody battles to new romance and daring challenges, Brittany continues to evolve in ways that inspire her fans.
Her story proves that reinvention is possible, even under the pressures of fame. She may have entered the spotlight through reality TV, but today, she is much more than a cast member—she is a mother, advocate, and woman building her future on her own terms.
What are your thoughts on Brittany Cartwright’s journey this year? Share your perspective in the comments and keep following for the latest updates.